"Russia is difficult to cooperate with" admits Swiss president during talks in Tallinn

Switzerland will play a key role in resolving the crisis in the Ukraine, President of Switzerland Didier Burkhalter has said.

Burkhalters comments come after meeting with Estonian Prime Minister Taavi Roivas in Tallinn on Monday.

The leaders discussed the international security situation in connection with the crisis in Ukraine and bilateral relations and economic co-operation between Estonia and Switzerland.

The two statesmen were unanimous in stating that resolving the Ukrainian crisis is the principal objective of Europe, LETA reports.

Switzerland, who holds the Presidency of OSCE, bears a key role in promoting negotiations and attempting conciliation between the parties.  

However, Burkhalter admitted that the task is not an easy one as Russia is difficult to co-operate with.

The Estonian Prime Minister expressed Estonia’s support for the work of Switzerland as the Presidency of OSCE. He also thanked the country for co-operation in resolving a recent hostage crisis after Estonian and Swiss observers were during an observer mission in the Ukraine.  

Switzerland has been one of the few western nations not to impose sanctions on Russia, saying it is important to preserve the country's doctrine of neutrality, public broadcasting reports.